During the health debate on the Queen’s Speech in the House of Commons, James made the case for QEH to be selected as one of the additional 8 schemes as part of the new hospital’s programme.
James spoke about the need for urgent modernisation due to major structural issues with concrete planks in the roof and highlighted that there are currently 194 props in over 40 areas of the hospital.
While welcoming the £20 million of new funding this year to deal with the most immediate issues, he said that the need was greater than propping up the roof.
Rather than spend £550 million over the next decade to manage the risk, James praised QEH’s plans to transform the hospital to meet modern healthcare requirements, deliver healthier lives, harness innovation and technology at better value for money.
He set out the strong support from patients, staff, the local community, council leaders, and the expected increased demand as a result of housing growth.
He urged the government to back the bid and to deliver the hospital that patients and staff deserve